CHAPTER XXV 



THE CHRYSANTHEMUM 



THE chrysanthemum has been very properly designated 

 the queen of autumn flowers. Thanks to the untiring 

 and assiduous efforts of the great growers and hybridisers 

 it has been brought to a pitch of perfection undreamt of a genera- 

 tion ago. So multifarious are the varieties now at the disposal 

 of the amateur gardener that it is possible to have it in bloom 

 in the outdoor garden from August to November, and thence 

 by the aid of glass to maintain the late flowering kinds in the 

 height of their gorgeous beauty until February. 



I have suggested that the chrysanthemum takes many forms, 

 and it may be desirable for the guidance of the beginner to set out 

 concisely the distinguishing features of the various types. They 

 are: 



THE JAPANESE. This variety predominates in the show and 

 exhibition classes. The flowers are of great size, many 

 are quaint and curious in shape, and they are notable for 

 their rich colouring. The petals are broad and flat, but 

 they turn and twist in all directions so much so, indeed, 

 that it is difficult at tunes to distinguish them from the 

 true incurved variety. 



THE INCURVED. The flowers are more formal in their out- 

 line and build than the Japanese. The petals turn 

 inwards and form a cone-shaped flower. 

 THE REFLEXED. In contradistinction to those of the 

 incurved class, the petals turn outwards from the centre. 

 This variety is not now so popular as it once was, but it 

 still produces many splendid flowers. 



THE ANEMONE-FLOWERED. These have a cushion-like disc 

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